Lysimachia Christinae
Also known as: Jin Qian Cao, Lysimachia christinae
Overview
Lysimachia christinae, commonly known as Jin Qian Cao, is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb primarily utilized for its efficacy in treating gallstones (cholelithiasis) and supporting liver health. It is typically consumed as an aqueous extract or integrated into complex herbal formulations. Beyond its established role in preventing and treating cholesterol gallstones, research indicates its potential for anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effects. Emerging studies also explore its anticancer properties, particularly against breast cancer. While animal and in vitro studies provide robust data, clinical evidence largely stems from Chinese-language trials and meta-analyses within TCM contexts, with a recognized need for more high-quality, independent randomized controlled trials to meet Western medical standards. The herb's mechanisms involve modulating gut microbiota, regulating lipid metabolism, and inducing antiproliferative effects.
Benefits
Lysimachia christinae offers several evidence-based benefits. It significantly aids in the prevention of cholesterol gallstones, as demonstrated in an 8-week mouse study where its aqueous extract reduced gallstone formation, improved serum lipid profiles, and modulated intestinal microflora. This suggests a strong potential for managing gallstone risk. For chronic atrophic gastritis, a systematic review and meta-analysis indicated that therapies including *L. christinae* improved clinical symptoms, suggesting benefits for gastric mucosal health, though this evidence is from multi-herb formulations. Furthermore, in vitro studies have shown promising anticancer effects, with *L. christinae* extract inhibiting proliferation and inducing apoptosis in breast cancer cell lines, particularly estrogen receptor-positive ones. A meta-analysis also supports its role in preventing gallbladder disease recurrence and complications when used in TCM interventions, showing improved gallbladder wall thickness.
How it works
Lysimachia christinae exerts its therapeutic effects through several biological pathways. It modulates intestinal microbiota, helping to restore gut bacterial balance, which is crucial for cholesterol metabolism and preventing gallstone formation. The herb also regulates lipid metabolism, improving serum lipid profiles and reducing hyperlipidemia, a key risk factor for gallstones. In cancer cells, *L. christinae* demonstrates antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic effects, likely by inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and inducing cell cycle arrest. Additionally, it exhibits anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective properties, evidenced by improved liver histology and reduced markers of liver injury in animal models. The exact bioavailability and pharmacokinetics in humans are not yet well characterized.
Side effects
Lysimachia christinae is generally considered safe based on traditional use and animal studies, with no major adverse effects reported in the reviewed literature. However, high-quality, independent human safety data, particularly from randomized controlled trials, are limited. There is an unclear potential risk of hepatotoxicity, a concern sometimes associated with Chinese herbal medicines, which warrants careful consideration. Currently, there are no documented drug interactions or contraindications identified in the available research. Users should exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional, especially if they have pre-existing liver conditions or are taking other medications, due to the limited comprehensive human safety data.
Dosage
Specific dosing regimens for Lysimachia christinae are not well standardized in the current literature. Animal studies demonstrating positive effects on gallstone prevention utilized aqueous extracts administered over an 8-week period. In clinical settings, particularly within Traditional Chinese Medicine, *L. christinae* is frequently incorporated into multi-herb formulations, making it difficult to isolate specific dosage data for the herb alone. Optimal human doses, maximum safe doses, and ideal timing for administration require further rigorous clinical investigation. Due to the lack of standardized human dosing guidelines, individuals should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before use, especially when considering it for specific health conditions.
FAQs
Is Lysimachia christinae effective for gallstones?
Animal studies and meta-analyses suggest it can prevent cholesterol gallstone formation by modulating lipids and gut microbiota, but more human trials are needed.
Is Lysimachia christinae safe to use?
Traditional use and animal data indicate general safety, but comprehensive human safety data from independent trials are limited, and potential hepatotoxicity is a consideration.
Can Lysimachia christinae be used for cancer treatment?
Preliminary in vitro studies show promising anticancer effects on breast cancer cells, but there are no clinical trials confirming its efficacy or safety for cancer treatment in humans.
How long does it take to see effects from Lysimachia christinae?
Animal studies observed effects after 8 weeks of administration. However, clinical timelines for human benefits are not well defined due to limited research.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9706107/ – This animal study demonstrated that an aqueous extract of Lysimachia christinae significantly reduced cholesterol gallstone formation in mice on a lithogenic diet. It also improved serum lipid profiles, reduced body weight gain, and restored liver histology, suggesting its potential in preventing gallstones by modulating gut microbiota and lipid metabolism.
- https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/e550/ce78e40f0140b2a0d1782dbfaebd0353067a.pdf – This systematic review and meta-analysis focused on Jianpi Yiqi therapy, which includes Lysimachia christinae, for chronic atrophic gastritis. It reported improved clinical symptom effective rates compared to controls, indicating potential benefits for gastric mucosal health, though it involved combined herbal therapies.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7590289/ – This in vitro study investigated the effects of Lysimachia christinae extract on breast cancer cell lines. It found that the extract inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis, particularly in estrogen receptor-positive cells, suggesting potential anticancer properties, though further clinical research is needed.
- https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/6ef6/52e49fc296cc1c0704137022e09761db65bb.pdf – This meta-analysis of 9 RCTs (n=926) examined TCM interventions, including Lysimachia christinae, for preventing gallbladder disease recurrence. It showed a significant reduction in recurrence and complications, along with improved gallbladder wall thickness, supporting its role in gallbladder health within TCM contexts.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2016/3560812 – This source discusses general concerns about Chinese herbal medicines and liver injury, highlighting the need for careful consideration of potential hepatotoxicity with herbs like Lysimachia christinae, despite its traditional safety profile.